All mattress types at a glance
| Type | Feel | Best for | Our models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium density foam | Light, soft to medium | Kids, guest rooms, occasional use | Nairobi Essential Foam, Guest Medium Foam |
| High density foam | Firm, stable, no bounce | Everyday adult sleep on a budget | Everyday High Density 8 inch, Family High Density 10 inch |
| Orthopedic | Firm and even (8 to 9/10) | Back and stomach sleepers, back pain | OrthoSupport 8 inch, SpineGuard Firm 10 inch |
| Open coil spring | Bouncy, airy | Hot sleepers on a budget | Breeze Open Coil 8 inch |
| Pocket spring | Bouncy, less partner movement | Couples, hot sleepers | Classic Pocket Spring 10 inch |
| Memory foam | Slow sink, hugs the body | Side sleepers, sore hips and shoulders | CoolRest Memory 8 inch, Serenity Memory 12 inch |
| Hybrid | Foam comfort over springs | Couples who want contour plus airflow | DualComfort Hybrid 10 inch, FirmBack Ortho Hybrid 10 inch |
| Pillow-top | Plush top, supportive core | People who want a soft, hotel feel | CloudLayer Pillow Top 10 inch, Royal Pocket Pillow Top 12 inch |
Our range today: 24 models (6 foam, 5 orthopedic, 3 spring, 3 memory foam, 2 pillow-top, 2 hybrid, 2 hybrid orthopedic, 1 pillow-top spring). Every model comes in all five Kenyan sizes, 3 by 6 to 6 by 6.
Foam mattresses: medium density and high density
A foam mattress is one solid block of polyurethane foam, sometimes with a thin comfort layer and a quilted cover. It is the most common mattress in Kenya because it is light, quiet and easy to carry up stairs.
Medium density foam is lighter and softer. It is fine for children, guests and short-term use, but it dents sooner under an adult sleeping on it every night.
High density foam packs more material into the same space, so it holds its shape longer and feels firmer. For an adult's everyday bed, choose high density. See mattress density explained to learn how to check it.
Shop: foam and high density mattresses.
Orthopedic mattresses
In Kenya, "orthopedic" means a firm mattress built to keep the spine level: usually a high density foam core or a firm hybrid. There is no medical certification behind the word, so judge an orthopedic mattress by its firmness, thickness and density, not the label. Ours sit at 8 to 9 out of 10 on firmness.
Shop: orthopedic mattresses. Read: best mattress for back pain.
Spring mattresses: open coil and pocket spring
Open coil (also called Bonnell) mattresses use rows of linked springs. They are bouncy and breathe well, and cost less than pocket springs. Because the springs are joined, you feel your partner move.
Pocket spring mattresses wrap each spring in its own fabric pocket, so each one moves on its own. You feel less of your partner's movement and the support follows your shape. Air moves through the springs, which helps in warm towns like Mombasa, Kisumu and Garissa.
Shop: spring mattresses.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam (viscoelastic foam) softens with body heat and slowly shapes around you, then slowly returns. It takes pressure off hips and shoulders, which is why side sleepers like it. It holds more heat than springs, so ventilated or gel layers help in hot rooms.
Shop: memory foam mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses
A hybrid puts foam comfort layers (often memory foam or high density foam) on top of a spring core. You get the contour of foam with the airflow and bounce of springs. A firm hybrid can work as an orthopedic option for people who sleep hot.
Pillow-top mattresses
A pillow-top has an extra soft, quilted layer stitched on top of the mattress. It gives a plush, hotel-style feel over a supportive core. Pillow-tops suit lighter sleepers and side sleepers; heavier back sleepers usually do better on orthopedic.
Shop: pillow-top mattresses.
Still deciding?
Compare the three most asked-about types in orthopedic vs spring vs memory foam, check terms in the mattress glossary, or let the mattress finder match a model to you.
Questions
What are the types of mattresses in Kenya?
The main types are medium density foam, high density foam, orthopedic, open coil spring, pocket spring, memory foam, hybrid and pillow-top.
Which mattress type is best for everyday use?
For an adult's everyday bed, high density foam, orthopedic, pocket spring and hybrid all hold up well. Medium density foam suits kids and guest rooms.
Which mattress type is coolest in hot weather?
Spring and hybrid mattresses sleep coolest because air moves through the coils. Memory foam holds the most heat.
Is an orthopedic mattress a medical product?
No. In Kenya orthopedic describes a firm, supportive build. Judge it by firmness, thickness and density rather than the name.